Thread: Bad Cam?

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My engine won't seem to run right since the first start up. I'm wondering if the cam didn't break in correctly and wiped a lobe. What is the easiest way to check? If I dissect the oil filter and don't find alot of metal, would this mean the cam is OK? I followed the reccomended break in procedures on intitial start up. How common is break in failure on a new flat tappet cam?

If a lobe is wiped, you can pull the valve covers and rotate the engine and visually see each rocker arm and check it for travel. Making sure the valve spring is compressing properly. What is it that it seems to be doing? Other possibilities for poor running can exist.

well i do build alot of big blocks and they have roller cams if that tells you any thing big block chevy love to eat cams look at your rocker arms if you got some that are loose them would be the bad ones

Originally Posted by njnova

My engine won't seem to run right since the first start up. I'm wondering if the cam didn't break in correctly and wiped a lobe. What is the easiest way to check? If I dissect the oil filter and don't find alot of metal, would this mean the cam is OK? I followed the reccomended break in procedures on intitial start up. How common is break in failure on a new flat tappet cam?

Does it "pop" out the intake or exhaust?
If it is flat you will hear it.

Most Importance thing is when you install new Cam and lifter is make sure the lifters turn freely in the lifter bores. If it don't turn free it will wipe out the lobe very quick.